Updated Mercedes A-Class is greener than ever

The Mercedes A-Class has been given a thorough overhaul for 2015, including revised styling, new engines and improved kit.

Changes to the exterior are subtle, with a new diamond grille, optional LED headlamps and updated taillights. There are new front and rear bumpers, too, with the latter featuring integrated exhaust pipes to ‘emphasise the sportiness and dynamism’ of the new A-Class.

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Inside, the new Mercedes will feature an updated instrument cluster and graphics on the dials, as well as new switches and buttons on the dash. Buyers will also get the option of a larger eight-inch central screen (standard on Sport and AMG Line cars), as well Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink functionality. There is a choice of new colours and upholstery variations, as well as ambient lighting that can be individualised with twelve colours and five different diming levels.

Arguably the biggest news, however, is that Merc’s most economical A-Class – the A180d (replacing the A180 CDI) – now matches the BMW 1 Series Efficient Dynamics Plus and Audi A3 Ultra for CO2. Providing you spec the SE trim with 16-inch alloy wheels, the 1.5-litre diesel will emit just 89g/km and return more than 80mpg.

Elsewhere, both the A220d (replacing the A220 CDI) and A250 petrol get a 7bhp upgrade, while customers speccing the 7G automatic transmission now get ‘Launch Assist’ for faster acceleration.

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At the top end of the range, the flagship AMG A45 is now even faster thanks to a 21bhp boost in power (from 355bhp to 376bhp). That makes it 0.1 seconds quicker to 62mph than the new Audi RS3, completing the benchmark sprint in 4.2 seconds – 0.4 seconds faster than before. It also has 25Nm more torque than its predecessor, at 375Nm.

Merc has also introduced a new Motorsport Edition, with design inspiration from the successful Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 team. All A-Class Motorsport Edition models get petrol green trim on the bumpers and wheels, as well as air vents and interior stitching in the same hue. They also come with black leather sports seats – complete with petrol green details – and similarly adorned seat belts.

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Prices haven’t been announced yet, though Mercedes has confirmed the Motorsport Edition package will be available on the powerful A220d and A250 models. Lesser versions will have to make do with the conventional SE, Sport, AMG Sport and Engineered by AMG trims, as well as previously announced Sport Edtion, AMG Night Edition specifications. The range-topping AMG A45 remains a standalone model, with no Motorsport Edition add-ons available.

The new A-Class will go on sale from 3 July, with first customer deliveries from September.